Brazil 🇧🇷

Brazil offers a range of incentives to promote film and audiovisual productions, aiming to attract both domestic and international projects. Below is an overview of the available incentives:

1. Brazil Filming Incentives - Tax Incentives and Cash Rebates

Tax Incentives:

• The Audiovisual Law (Law No. 8,685/1993) allows companies to invest in or sponsor Brazilian audiovisual projects and deduct the invested amount from their income tax. This incentive stimulates private investment in the film industry.

Cash Rebates:

• São Paulo: Offers a cash rebate of 20% to 30% on eligible expenses for productions spending at least BRL 2 million (approximately USD 362,000) and collaborating with a local producer.
• Rio de Janeiro: Provides financial incentives through a cash rebate program managed by the Rio Film Commission, with specific criteria to support productions that film locally.

2. Film Incentives Breakdown

Tax Incentives:

Federal Level:

• Deduction Rate: Up to 100% of investments in approved projects, subject to legal limits.
• Eligibility: Open to individuals and corporations subject to Brazilian income tax.
• Approval Process: Projects must be approved by the National Film Agency (ANCINE).

Cash Rebates:

São Paulo:

• Rebate Percentage: 20% to 30% of eligible expenses.
• Minimum Local Expenditure: BRL 2 million.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Collaboration with a local production company.
  • Cultural relevance, economic impact, and promotion of São Paulo internationally.

Rio de Janeiro:

• Rebate Percentage: Details are available through the Rio Film Commission.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Projects must contribute to the local economy and promote the city’s image.
  • Collaboration with local professionals and companies is encouraged.

3. Terms and Conditions Associated with the Incentives

Tax Incentives:

• Requirements:
  • Investments must target projects approved by ANCINE.
  • Deductions are capped according to limits established by law.
• Investor Eligibility:
  • Both individuals and corporations subject to Brazilian income tax can participate.

Cash Rebates:

São Paulo:

• Application Requirements:
  • Detailed project proposal, including budget and collaboration proof with local producers.
• Rebate Terms: Applies only to eligible expenses incurred in São Paulo.

Rio de Janeiro:

• Application Requirements:
  • Project details and plans for local collaboration.
• Conditions: Productions must align with cultural and economic goals for the city.

4. Governing Bodies for the Incentives

National Level:

• ANCINE (Agência Nacional do Cinema):
  • Oversees federal tax incentive programs and regulates Brazil's audiovisual sector.

Municipal Level:

• São Paulo:
  • Spcine: Implements São Paulo’s audiovisual policies, including cash rebate programs.
• Rio de Janeiro:
  • Rio Film Commission: Facilitates film productions and manages local rebate programs.

5. Filming Incentive Application Process

Tax Incentives:

1. Project Approval:
   • Submit the project proposal to ANCINE for evaluation.
2. Investment:
   • Approved projects receive private or corporate funding.
3. Tax Deduction:
   • Investors apply deductions in their income tax returns.

Cash Rebates:

São Paulo:

1. Application Submission:
   • Submit an application to Spcine, including project details, budget, and proof of collaboration.
2. Evaluation:
   • Spcine assesses the project based on cultural and economic impact.
3. Approval:
   • Sign a contract outlining rebate terms upon approval.
4. Production:
   • Ensure compliance with the program’s requirements.
5. Rebate Claim:
   • Submit necessary documentation post-production to claim the rebate.

Rio de Janeiro:

1. Consultation:
   • Contact the Rio Film Commission for application guidelines.
2. Application Submission:
   • Provide project and budget details, including local collaboration plans.
3. Evaluation and Approval:
   • The Commission evaluates and approves eligible projects.
4. Production and Rebate Claim:
   • Adhere to the program’s requirements and submit final documentation to claim the rebate.

For comprehensive guidelines and application procedures, consult the official websites of ANCINE, Spcine, and the Rio Film Commission.